Improvement in keys for locks



ANDREW F. WHITING, OF BATH, MAINE.

IMPROVEMENT IN KEYS FOR LOCKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 123,532, dated February 6, 1872.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ANDREW F. WHIIING, of Bath, in the county of Sagadahoc and State of Maine have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Locks; and I do hereby dcclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part of the same, and in which the drawing shows my improved key in elevation, an d also in transverse section.

This invention relates to an improved platekey; and it consists in forming the slot in the inner end of the key with concave surfaces.

In constructing keys I use a thin flat piece of steel or other metal, the outer portion of which is given any desired form, while its bitend has a slot in it, the surfaces of wh1ch are concave, as shown at a, and by means of which the key is held in its position in the look. This concave slot fits over a pin or stud secured in the lockcase, which pin serves as a support and guide for the key while it is being turned to operate the lock.

By this construction I am enabled to do away with the expensive bushing commonly used with slotted plate-keys; and it may be applied to the ordinary form of look by changing the form of the bit I), which, if necessary, may be made double.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is The. construction of the plate-key, its slot it having concave surfaces, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of May, A. D. 1871, in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

A. F. WHITING.

Witnesses:

AZA FISHER, FRANK E. DUNCAN. 

